Locking mechanism for recreational vehicle baggage door

ABSTRACT

A recreational vehicle (RV) with a central actuator that controls locking and unlocking of a plurality of access doors. Each of the access doors has a locking member that is interconnected to the central actuator. Thus, the central actuator may be configured to lock or unlock selected group of doors simultaneously. The central actuator is located inside the RV, and controlling input to the central actuator may be from a remote transmitter, or by direct manipulation of the central actuator. The locking members and the central actuator may be linked mechanically, electromagnetically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or in any number of ways. The central actuator advantageously permits an RV user to lock or unlock groups or all of the access doors simultaneously while inside the RV, or by using the remote transmitter.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/205,585 filed Jul. 24, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,260, titled“Locking Mechanism for Recreational Vehicle Baggage Door.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to recreational vehicles (RVs) and morespecifically, to RV door locking mechanisms that enable multiple baggagedoors to lock and unlock as a result of a single activation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have become an increasingly popular andcommon means of recreation. RVs are mobile vehicles that include aliving space inside and can be either self-propelled, as in a motorhome,or can depend on another vehicle for their motive power, as in a trailersuch as a fifth wheel trailer. A typical RV comprises a ladder framemounted on a plurality of wheels adapted for rolling movement across theground. A floor is mounted atop the frame, a plurality of walls is builtatop the floor, and a ceiling is built atop the plurality of walls inorder to define an interior living space for the RV users.

RV users will typically use the RV to travel to a recreational area andlive in the RV for some period of time. Some RV owners even use their RVas their primary residence. Thus, since an RV will often be used forextended periods of time, RV customers will usually desire storage areaswhere luggage, supplies, appliances, equipment, and the like can bestowed.

To address this need, RV manufactures often include hollow compartmentsto be used as storage areas. These storage areas are usually accessiblefrom outside of the RV, through openings cut in the side of the storagearea of the RV, and movable storage area doors usually cover theseopenings so that cargo will not fall out of the storage areas duringtravel.

Since cargo inside the storage areas is often valuable to the RV owner,the RV owner usually desires to secure the storage area fromunauthorized access. To address this concern, RV manufacturers ofteninclude securing members on the storage area doors. In a typicalembodiment, a RV has multiple storage area doors, and each doorcomprises at least one securing member. Each securing member can movebetween a locked position, in which the securing member fixes thestorage area door in place over the openings in the storage area, and anunlocked position, in which the storage area door can be moved and theRV can access the interior of the storage area through the opening.Typically, each securing mechanism is coupled to a lock, widely known inthe art, such that a key is required for moving the securing mechanismbetween its locked position and unlocked positions. As such, the RV usercan lock the storage area to thereby prevent unauthorized access to thecargo.

When the user wants to lock or unlock the lockable storage area doors,the RV owner must perform the act on each of the lockable doors.Unfortunately, having to spend time walking around the RV locking orunlocking the lockable storage area doors prolongs an alreadytime-consuming loading and unloading process. Also, when the RV userwants to drive the RV somewhere, it is preferable to secure every door;however, the user can easily forget to lock one of the doors. Thus, theRV user sometimes spends additional time double checking each and everylock, or sometimes, the user might drive off with the contents of theunlocked storage area compromised. Furthermore, if the storage areadoors have uncommon locks, an additional problem arises; namely, eachlock requires a different key, and as such, the user becomes encumberedwith multiple keys and must often spend time at each lock tryingmultiple keys until the correct one is found. Therefore, currentmulti-lock designs can inconvenience the user of the RV in a number ofways.

Furthermore, the locks of the storage area doors are almost alwayslocated on the outside surface of the RV, requiring the user to get outof the RV to lock and unlock the storage area doors. This can be quitean inconvenience, especially during inclement weather because the userwill be exposed to the elements or will have to spend time putting onprotective gear to avoid exposure. This is also an inconvenience duringthe nighttime hours because the darkness often requires the user toawkwardly fumble with a flashlight and the keys as the user tries tofind the locks, find the correct key, and guide the key into the lock.

Hence from the foregoing, there is an ongoing problem with current RVsin that RV users ordinarily must individually lock and unlock thestorage area doors, which is exacerbated because the RV user must do sofrom outside the vehicle. It will be appreciated that there is need toeliminate these inconveniences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs are satisfied by one aspect of the inventionrelating to a recreational vehicle comprising a frame mounted on wheelsadapted to be rollably moved over the ground, and a housing comprising aplurality of walls built on the frame so as to define an interior livingspace having a bathroom and a bedroom. The housing further defines aplurality of storage spaces each having an access opening adjacent theexterior walls of the housing. The recreational vehicle furthercomprises a plurality of access doors positioned adjacent the outer wallof the housing adjacent the access openings of the plurality of storagespaces. The plurality of access doors are hingeably attached to thehousing so as to be movable between an open position wherein access tothe storage is provided via the access opening, and a closed positionwherein the storage space is secured from entry via the access opening.The recreational vehicle further comprises a locking system having aplurality of locking members and a central actuator. The plurality oflocking members engage with the plurality of access doors such that theplurality of locking members in a locked configuration lock theplurality of access doors into the closed position and in an unlockedconfiguration permit the plurality of access doors to be moved to anopen position. The central actuator is mounted within the housing and iscoupled to the plurality of locking members such that controlling of thecentral actuator results in the plurality of locking members movingbetween a locked and unlocked configuration.

In one embodiment, each of the locking members comprises a strikedefined by the access door and a movable bolt mounted to the housingsuch that in the locked configuration a portion of the bolt engages thestrike so as to prevent opening of the door. In the unlockedconfiguration the bolt retracts from the strike so as to permit openingof the door.

In one embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member ispneumatically actuated. In another embodiment, the movement of the boltin the locking member is hydraulically actuated. In yet anotherembodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member iselectromagnetically actuated. In yet another embodiment, the movement ofthe bolt in the locking member is mechanically actuated.

In the embodiment where the bolt is mechanically actuated, the lockingmember further comprises a cam that is rotatably mounted to the housingsuch that the cam engages the bolt. The cam being in a first orientationcauses the bolt to be pushed into the strike for the lockedconfiguration, and the cam being in a second orientation allows the boltto retract from the strike for the unlocked configuration. The rotationof the cam is mechanically actuated.

In one embodiment, the mechanically actuated locking member furthercomprises a spring that couples the bolt to the housing such that thelocked configuration corresponds to the spring being compressed. Duringtransition of the locking member into the unlocked configuration, thespring member relaxes thereby facilitating the retraction of the boltfrom the strike. The locking system further comprises a plurality oflinkages and gears that interconnect the cam in each of the plurality oflocking members to the central actuator so as to transmit mechanicaloutput of the central actuator to the cams.

In one embodiment, the locking system further comprises a portabletransmitter and a receiver wherein the receiver is connected to thecentral actuator. A signal transmitted by the transmitter is received bythe receiver and relayed to the central actuator as the control input.One possible signal is a lock signal, and another possible signal is anunlock signal.

In one embodiment, the central actuator is configured to receive userinput, and based on the user input, selectively activate one or moregroups of locking members. In one possible grouping of the lockingmembers, a first group includes a locking member for a main door, and asecond group that includes locking members for the plurality of accessdoors.

In one embodiment, the recreational vehicle is a motorhome. In anotherembodiment, the recreational vehicle is a trailer. In one embodiment,the trailer is a fifth-wheel trailer.

In one embodiment, the relative orientation of the strike to the bolt isadjustable so as to accommodate misalignments. In yet anotherembodiment, the bolt is tapered on one side such that when engaged withthe strike, the bolt urges the door in a first direction. In oneconfiguration of the tapered bolt, the taper is on the interior sidesuch that the bolt urges the door inward when engaged with the strike.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a recreational vehiclecomprising a frame mounted on wheels adapted to be rollably moved overthe ground, and a housing comprising a plurality of walls built on theframe so as to define an interior living space having a bathroom and abedroom. The housing further defines a plurality of storage spaces eachhaving an access opening adjacent the exterior walls of the housing. Therecreational vehicle further comprises a plurality of access doorspositioned adjacent the outer wall of the housing adjacent the accessopenings of the plurality of storage spaces. The plurality of accessdoors are hingeably attached to the housing so as to be movable betweenan open position wherein access to the storage is provided via theaccess opening, and a closed position wherein the storage space issecured from entry via the access opening. The plurality of access doorsare logically grouped into one or more groups. The recreational vehiclefurther comprises a locking system having a plurality of locking memberscontrolled by a central actuator. The plurality of locking members aregrouped according to one or more logical groups of the access doors suchthat controlling of the central actuator results in a selected group oflocking members associated with a selected group of access doors movingbetween a locked and unlocked configuration. The selected group oflocking members engage with the selected group of access doors such thatthe selected group of locking members in a locked configuration lock theselected group of access doors into the closed position and in anunlocked configuration permit the selected group of access doors to bemoved to an open position. The central actuator is mounted within thehousing and is coupled to the one or more groups of locking members.

In one embodiment, the access doors include a main door to the interiorliving space, a plurality of baggage compartment doors, and one or moreutility access doors. In one embodiment, all the access doors arelogically grouped into a single group such that the central actuator isable to lock and unlock all the access doors simultaneously. In anotherembodiment, the access doors are logically grouped according tofunctionality of the doors. In one such possible grouping, a first groupcomprises the main door, a second group comprises baggage compartmentdoors, and a third group comprises the utility doors. In yet anotherembodiment, the access doors are logically grouped according to desiredlevel of security.

In one embodiment, each of the locking members comprises a strikedefined by the access door and a movable bolt mounted to the housingsuch that in the locked configuration a portion of the bolt engages thestrike so as to prevent opening of the door. In the unlockedconfiguration the bolt retracts from the strike so as to permit openingof the door.

In one embodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member ispneumatically actuated. In another embodiment, the movement of the boltin the locking member is hydraulically actuated. In yet anotherembodiment, the movement of the bolt in the locking member iselectromagnetically actuated. In yet another embodiment, the movement ofthe bolt in the locking member is mechanically actuated.

In the embodiment where the bolt is mechanically actuated, the lockingmember further comprises a cam that is rotatably mounted to the housingsuch that the cam engages the bolt. The cam being in a first orientationcauses the bolt to be pushed into the strike for the lockedconfiguration, and the cam being in a second orientation allows the boltto retract from the strike for the unlocked configuration. The rotationof the cam is mechanically actuated.

In one embodiment, the mechanically actuated locking member furthercomprises a spring that couples the bolt to the housing such that thelocked configuration corresponds to the spring being compressed. Duringtransition of the locking member into the unlocked configuration, thespring member relaxes thereby facilitating the retraction of the boltfrom the strike. The locking system further comprises a plurality oflinkages and gears that interconnect the cam in each of the plurality oflocking members to the central actuator so as to transmit mechanicaloutput of the central actuator to the cams.

In one embodiment, the locking system further comprises a portabletransmitter and a receiver wherein the receiver is connected to thecentral actuator. A signal transmitted by the transmitter is received bythe receiver and relayed to the central actuator as the control input.One possible signal is a lock signal, and another possible signal is anunlock signal.

In one embodiment, the recreational vehicle is a motorhome. In anotherembodiment, the recreational vehicle is a trailer. In one embodiment,the trailer is a fifth-wheel trailer.

In one embodiment, the relative orientation of the strike to the bolt isadjustable so as to accommodate misalignments. In yet anotherembodiment, the bolt is tapered on one side such that when engaged withthe strike, the bolt urges the door in a first direction. In oneconfiguration of the tapered bolt, the taper is on the interior sidesuch that the bolt urges the door inward when engaged with the strike.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an RV comprising a motorhome suitablefor practicing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an RV comprising a fifth wheel trailersuitable for practicing another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary floor plan of an RV such as themotorhome of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a locking mechanismcoupled to a plurality of storage area doors;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a motorhome comprising an RV illustratinganother embodiment of the locking mechanism wherein components arearranged on two sides of the motorhome.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a RV comprising a motorhome, which illustratesinternal components of another embodiment of a locking mechanism;

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C are cross sectional views of components ofthe locking mechanism taken from FIG. 4 along the lines 5A—5A, 5B—5B,and 5C—5C respectively, wherein FIG. 5A shows the locking mechanism in alocked configuration, FIG. 5B shows the locking mechanism in an unlockedconfiguration, and FIG. 5C shows the storage area door opened;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a RV comprising a motorhome, which illustratesinternal components of another embodiment of a locking mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a detail view taken from FIG. 6, which illustrates internalcomponents of the embodiment of the linked locked mechanism in greaterdetail; and

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C are cross sectional views of components ofthe locking mechanism taken from FIG. 6 along the lines 8A—8A, 8B—8B,and 8C—8C respectively, wherein FIG. 8A shows the locking mechanism in alocked configuration, FIG. 8B shows the locking mechanism in an unlockedconfiguration, and FIG. 8C shows the storage area door opened;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of the RV comprising a motorhome, whichillustrates internal components of another embodiment of a lockingmechanism;

FIG. 10 is a functional schematic diagram illustrating how the lockingmechanism can be adapted to permit activation of selected group(s) oflocks;

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a locking member wherein strikeand bolt are adjustable relative to each other so as to permit optimizedalignment; and

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the locking member wherein thebolt is tapered such that when it engages the strike, the tapered edgeof the bolt urges the door to fit flush with the wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

References will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals referto like parts throughout. FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of arecreational vehicle (RV) 100 a comprising a motorhome having a frame102 a attached to a plurality of wheels 104 a so as to permit rollingmovement of the RV 100 a over the ground. As is also shown in FIG. 1A, amain housing 106 a is mounted above the frame 102 a and is essentiallyformed of a plurality of planar walls 108 a that are joined together andmounted to the frame 102 a in a well known manner so as to define aninner living space 110 a having a floor 111 a.

Furthermore, below the plane of the floor 111 a of the RV 100 a, aplurality of planar members (not shown) are interconnected so as todefine a plurality of storage areas 121 a, which are essentially hollowcavities. In one embodiment, the storage areas 121 a are substantiallyenclosed, but an opening 116 a is formed in the walls 108 a of the RV100 a adjacent to the storage area 121 a. The opening 116 a provides theprimary path of access into and out of the storage area 121 a.

Also, the RV 100 a additionally comprises a plurality of storage areadoors 120 a. In one embodiment, the typical storage area door 120 a isplanar and rectangular so as to define a top edge 114 a, a bottom edge114 b, a back edge 114 c, and a front edge 114 d. In one embodiment, thetop edge 114 a of each individual storage area door 120 a is hingedlyattached to the walls 108 a over the respective opening 116 a. As such,the storage area door 120 a is able to pivot between a closed and anopen position. As shown in FIG. 1A, when the storage area door 120 a isin the closed position, the storage area door 120 a lies approximatelyflush with the walls 108 a of the RV 100 a so as to substantially coverthe opening 116 a, thereby preventing cargo from falling out of thestorage area 121 a inadvertently. When the storage area door 120 a is inthe open position (not shown), the storage area door 120 a extends outfrom the walls 108 a so as to expose the opening 116 a and allow theuser of the RV 100 a to load and unload the storage area 121 a.

As will be described in greater detail below, the RV 100 a alsocomprises a securing mechanism for locking the storage area doors 121 awhile the storage area doors 121 are in the closed position. Thissecuring mechanism allows the user to lock and unlock multiple storagearea doors 121 a with one activation.

FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of a RV 100 b comprising a fifthwheel trailer having a frame 102 b, a plurality of wheels 104 b, a mainhousing 106 b comprising walls 108 b, an inner living space 110 b, afloor 111 b, storage areas 121 b, openings 116 b, and storage area doors120 b very similar to the RV 100 a described above in relation to FIG.1A. However, this RV 100 b comprises a male hitch assembly 103 at thefront of the RV 100 b designed to couple with a known female hitchassembly of a towing vehicle so that the RV 100 b can be towed by thetowing vehicle. As will be described in greater detail below, the RV 100b also comprises a securing mechanism for locking the storage area doors121 b while the storage area doors 121 b are in the closed position.This securing mechanism allows the user to lock and unlock multiplestorage area doors 121 b with one activation.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary floor plan of the RV 110 a describedabove in reference to FIG. 1A. The housing of the RV 110 a defines aninterior living space that includes a living room 220, a galley 222, adining room 224, a bathroom 226, and a bedroom 228. The housing furthercomprises a plurality of walls 300 that define some of theaforementioned rooms. Thus, the rooms and amenities as exemplified inFIG. 1C generally facilitate a comfortable living condition for theuser(s) while providing mobility. It will be appreciated that theinterior living space of the RV may be configured in any number ofpossible configurations without departing from the spirit of theinvention disclosed herein.

Hereinbelow, the present invention will be discussed as incorporatedinto a RV 100 a comprising a motorhome. However, it is understood thatthe present invention could be incorporated into other forms of RVs,such as towable trailers including the fifth wheel trailer withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a schematic illustration of a locking mechanism125 is illustrated coupled to a portion of the storage area doors 120 aas well as a portion of the walls 108 a of the RV 100 a. As shown, thelocking mechanism 125 comprises a plurality of securing members 169coupled to the storage area doors 120 a as well as the walls 108 a ofthe RV 100 a. Preferably, there is at least one securing member 169coupled to each storage area door 120 a, but in some embodiments, thereare multiple securing members 169 coupled to each individual door 120 a.As will be described in more detail below, the securing members 169 canshift between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Whenthe securing members 169 are in the unlocked configuration, the storagearea doors 120 a can be moved between their open and closed positions.However, when the securing members 169 are in the locked configuration,the storage area doors 169 cannot shift from their closed positions.

The locking mechanism 125 also comprises an input system 140, whichdelivers signals to the securing members 169 to ultimately shift thesecuring members 169 between their respective locked and unlockedconfigurations. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the input system 140comprises a central actuator 160 with which the user generates thelocking and unlocking signals to be sent to the plurality of securingmembers 169. The input system 140 also comprises a transmission member185, which is able to carry the signal from the central actuator 160 tothe plurality of securing members 169 to ultimately lock and unlock theplurality of securing members 169. As will be described in greaterdetail below, the activation signals can include electrical, pneumatic,hydraulic, or even mechanical signals without departing from the spiritof the invention.

As such, the locking mechanism 125 allows a user to lock and unlockmultiple storage area doors 120 a with one activation input.Advantageously, this feature is a convenience for the user of the RV 100a because it eliminates the inconvenience associated with having to lockand unlock each individual storage area door 120 a.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the RV 100 a comprising a motorhome,wherein the RV 100 a has storage area doors 120 a on both the driver andpassenger side of the RV 100 a. Also, components of the lockingmechanism 125 are positioned on both sides of the RV 100 a. In thisembodiment, the input system 140 is coupled to the plurality of securingmembers 169 with a first transmission member branch 188, which extendsto the securing members 169 on the driver's side of the RV 100 a, and asecond transmission member branch 189, which extends to the securingmembers 169 on the passenger's side of the RV 100. In this embodiment,the first and second transmission member branches 188, 189 are joined atthe central actuator 160. As such, the locking mechanism 125 allows forthe locking and unlocking of multiple storage area doors 120 a throughone activation, even when storage area doors 120 a are positioned onmultiple sides of the RV 100 a. Therefore, the RV 100 a can compriseadditional storage area doors 120 a located in a plurality of locationswithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

In still other embodiments, the locking mechanism 125 comprisesadditional securing members 169 coupled to doors other than the storagearea doors 120 a. For instance, in some embodiments, the lockingmechanism 125 is coupled to main entranceway doors, closet doors,cupboard doors and the like. As such, the user can lock or unlock thismultitude of securing mechanisms 169 with a single activation toadvantageously make the RV 100 a more convenient for the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more specific embodiment of the locking mechanism125 comprising an input system 140 and four securing members 169. Aswill be discussed in greater detail below, this embodiment can compriseelectrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic subcomponents or a combinationthereof.

In this embodiment, the typical securing mechanism 169 generallycomprises a bolt 134. In the embodiment shown, the bolt 134 is a solid,cylindrical member, defining a top end 155 and a bottom end 156. In oneembodiment, the bolt 134 is metallic and the top end 155 is chamfered.As will be discussed in greater detail below, the bolt 134 is mountedwithin the walls 108 a of the RV 100 a directly below the storage areadoors 120 a. In a typical storage area door 120 a, one bolt 134 ismounted adjacent to a first lower corner 176 of the storage area door120 a, where the bottom edge 114 b and front edge 114 d of the storagearea door 120 a meet. Also, another bolt 134 is mounted adjacent to asecond lower corner 177 of the storage area door 120 a, where the bottomedge 114 b and back edge 114 c of the storage area door 120 a meet.

As will be described in more detail below, the bolts 134 are able toshift between a locked and an unlocked configuration. The lockingmechanism 125 enables multiple bolts 134 of multiple storage area doors120 a to shift between their respective locked and unlockedconfigurations to advantageously allow the user to lock or unlockmultiple storage area doors 120 a with a single activation.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the locking mechanism 125 also comprises theinput system 140. In one embodiment, the input system 140 generallycomprises a plurality of electrical components such as conductive wires,resistors, capacitors and the like such that an electrical signal may begenerated and be passed to the securing members 169. In anotherembodiment, the input system 140 comprises a plurality of valves, tubes,pumps, and the like such that a hydraulic or pneumatic signal may begenerated and be passed to the securing members 169. In still anotherembodiment described in greater detail below, the input system 140comprises mechanical members that allow a mechanical signal to pass tothe securing members 169 (i.e. the mechanical members move to therebymove the securing members 169). This electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic,or mechanical signal ultimately moves the securing members 169 betweentheir respective locked and unlocked configurations.

More particularly, the input system 140 comprises the central actuator160 mentioned above in relation to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The centralactuator 160 comprises a plurality of components that can be physicallymanipulated by the user, such as buttons, knobs, and the like, and thecentral actuator 160 translates physical manipulation of thesecomponents into the electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanicalsignal.

That signal is then passed from the central actuator 160 to the securingmembers 169 through the transmission member 185. The transmission member185 preferably is routed within the walls 108 a of the RV 100 a so thatit is out of sight and it is unlikely to be hazardous to the user of theRV 100 a. The transmission member 185 is also attached to the bottomends 156 of the plurality of bolts 134 in a manner such that theelectrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical signal can becommunicated to the bolt 134. Once a bolt 134 receives this signal, thebolt 134 moves between either its locked or unlocked configuration aswill be described in greater detail below.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C illustrate the components of the lockingmechanism 125 and their function in more detail. The wall 108 acomprises a first flange 142 on an internal side 148 of the wall 108 aand a second flange 180 on an external side 149 of the wall 108 a suchthat the first and second flanges 142, 180 and the portion of the wall108 a lying therebetween combine to define a channel 146. As shown, manycomponents of the locking mechanism 125 reside inside the channel 146.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, the storage areadoor 120 a comprises a first flange 152 located on an internal side 128of the storage area door 120 a and a second flange 153 located on anexternal side 129 of the storage area door 120 a. As such, the first andsecond flange 152, 153 and the storage area door 120 a lyingtherebetween combine to define a strike 136. As shown in FIG. 5A, aportion of the bolt 134 extends above the wall 108 a and extends intothe strike 136 when the bolt 134 is in the locked configuration as willbe described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the transmission member 185 is connected to the bolt134 with a connecting member 172. In this embodiment, the connectingmember 172 comprises a base 183, which is rigidly attached to the wall108 a. Also, the connecting member 172 comprises a piston 184, which isslidably attached to the base 183 on a lower end 174, and is rigidlyattached to the bottom end 156 of the bolt 134 on an upper end 175. Assuch, the base 183 of the connecting member 172 receives signals comingthrough the transmission member 185. Then, the base 183 translates thatsignal into movement of a piston 184 upward or downward.

For example, in one embodiment, the base 183 comprises anelectromagnetic actuator such that when the base 183 receives a firstelectronic signal from the transmission member 185, the components ofthe electromagnetic actuator engage to slide the piston 184 upward andaway from the base 183. Conversely, when the base 183 receives a secondelectronic signal from the transmission member 185, the components ofthe electromagnetic actuator engage to slide the piston 184 downward andtoward the base 183.

In another embodiment, a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid moves into thebase 183, causing the piston 184 to slide upward and away from the base183. Conversely, when a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid moves out of thebase, the components of the base 183 cause the piston to slide downwardand toward the base 183.

Since the piston 184 is rigidly attached to the bolt 134, the bolt 134moves in unison with the piston 184. Ultimately, this movement resultsin the shifting of the bolt 134 between its locked and unlockedconfigurations as will be discussed in greater detail below.

In the embodiment shown, the bolt 134 comprises a cylindrical member,rigidly attached to the piston 184 so that the vertical movement of thepiston 184 causes vertical movement of the bolt 134. At its highestpoint, the bolt 134 partially enters the strike 136 as shown in FIG. 5A.As such, the storage area door 120 a cannot be opened because the bolt134 interferes with the flange 142 as the storage area door 120 a pivotsopen. This is known as the locked configuration of the bolt 134.Conversely, at its lowest point, the bolt 134 lies outside the strike136 as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C. As such, the storage area door 120a can be opened because the bolt 134 does not interfere with thepivoting of the storage area door 120 a. This is known as the unlockedconfiguration of the storage area door 120 a.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, the top end155 of the bolt 134 defines a self-seating surface 158. In oneembodiment, the self-seating surface 158 extends around thecircumference of the cylindrical top end 155 and the angle of theself-seating surface with respect to the plane of the top end 155 isapproximately forty-five degrees. In one embodiment, the self-seatingsurface 158 is formed with a chamfering process known widely in themanufacturing arts. When the bolt 134 is moving from its unlockedconfiguration to its locked configuration and the strike 136 isoff-center with respect to the bolt 134, the self-seating surface 158might contact the flanges 152 a, 152 b. This contact shifts the storagearea door 120 a slightly, thereby centering the strike 136 with respectto the bolt 134. Advantageously, the bolt 134 is more likely to seatdirectly into the strike 136 to thereby lock the storage area door 120 amore securely.

It is understood that the securing members 169 shown in FIG. 5A, FIG.5B, and FIG. 5C are typical of all of the securing members 169 includedin this embodiment of the locking mechanism 125. Thus, it is understoodthat all of the securing members 169 function in substantially the samemanner. As stated, the transmission members 185 are coupled to the bases183 of these securing members 169, and the transmission members 185 arealso coupled to the central actuator 160. As such, an input supplied tothe central actuator 160 will be sent through the transmission members185 to the plurality of securing members 169, and the securing members169 will preferably shift between their respective locked and unlockedconfigurations as a result of the input sent from the central actuator160.

Thus, the user is able to shift multiple bolts 134 on multiple storagearea doors 120 a (i.e. secure or release multiple storage area doors 120a) with a single activation. This feature is very convenient for theuser of the RV 100 a because it eliminates the inconvenience associatedwith having to lock and unlock each individual storage area door 120 a.This advantageously limits the amount of time necessary for loading andunloading the RV 100 a and also limits the user's exposure to theelements in the event of loading or unloading in inclement weather.Also, this feature is convenient because the user does not becomeencumbered with multiple keys previously necessary for some multi-lockRV 100 a designs. Furthermore, the user can easily activate the lockingmechanism 125 to secure the storage area doors 120 a and drive away inthe RV 100 a confident that the storage area doors 120 a are secured,whereas with previous designs, the user would either spend additionaltime checking each storage area door 120 a or drive off unsure of thesecurity of the storage area doors 120 a.

It should also be noted that in one embodiment, the central actuator 160is positioned within the internal living space 110 a of the RV 100 a.For instance, the central actuator 160 is mounted in the dashboard (notshown) of the RV 100 a in one embodiment. Positioning the centralactuator 160 within the internal living space 110 a allows the user tolock and unlock the storage area doors 120 a without having to leave theinternal living space 110 a of the RV. Thus, when the user wants to lockthe storage area doors 120 a and there is inclement weather outside theRV 100 a, the user can advantageously lock the storage area doors 120 awithout exposing themselves to the inclement weather. Advantageously,this embodiment also facilitates locking and unlocking of the storagearea doors 120 a in the dark because the central actuator 160 can bemore easily seen by internal lighting of the RV 100 a.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustration of a different embodiment of thelocking mechanism 125 is shown incorporated into a RV 100 a. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 comprisesprimarily mechanical subcomponents. Similar to the aforementionedembodiment shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 5C, this embodiment of thelocking mechanism 125 comprises a plurality of securing members 169coupled to a plurality of storage area doors 120 a, and the lockingmechanism 125 also comprises an input system 140 coupled to the securingmembers 169.

In this embodiment, the individual securing members 169 each comprise abolt 134, which is substantially similar to the bolts 134 describedabove in relation to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B,and FIG. 5C. The bolts 134 in this embodiment are able to shift betweena locked configuration and an unlocked configuration in a manner to bedescribed in greater detail below.

The input system 140 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of cams132, which are oblong pieces pivotally attached to other members of theinput system 140 underneath an individual bolt 134. When pivoted in oneorientation, a typical cam 132 causes its associated bolt 134 to moveinto its locked configuration. When pivoted in another orientation, thecam 132 causes the bolt 134 to move into its unlocked configuration aswill be described in greater detail below.

The input system 140 also comprises a pivot rod 130. In one embodiment,the pivot rod 130 is a long, cylindrical member with a relatively smalldiameter having a first end 145. The pivot rod 130 is positionedunderneath the storage area doors 120 a and is rigidly attached to theplurality of cams 132 at their respective locations under the pluralityof bolts 134. As will be described in greater detail below, rotation ofthe pivot rod 130 causes rotation of the cams 132, which ultimatelyresults in the movement of the bolts 134 between their respective lockedand unlocked configurations.

As shown in FIG. 6, the input system 140 also comprises a first linkage118, and a second linkage 119. Both the first and second linkages 118,119 are primarily long, cylindrical members with relatively smalldiameters. As will be described in greater detail below, the first andsecond linkages 118, 119 are interlocked together and are connected tothe pivot rod 130 such that the rotation of the first and secondlinkages 118, 119 causes the pivot rod 130 (and therefore the cams 132)to rotate. Rotation of the cams 132 ultimately causes the bolts 134 tomove between their locked and unlocked configurations.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the input system further comprisesthe central actuator 160 described above, and the central actuator 160is coupled to the second linkage 119. In one embodiment, the centralactuator comprises a lever 161, a rod-like member that is able to pivotover a certain range of rotation. When the user of the RV 100 a pivotsthe lever 161 in one direction, the second linkage 119, the firstlinkage 118, the pivot rod 130, and the cams 132 rotate in one directionto move the plurality of bolts 134 in one direction. When the user ofthe RV 100 a pivots the lever 161 in the opposite direction, the secondlinkage 119, the first linkage 118, the pivot rod 130, and the cams 132rotate in the opposite direction to move the plurality of bolts 134 inthe opposite direction. As such, the locking mechanism 125 allows theuser of the RV 100 a to advantageously lock or unlock multiple storagearea doors with a single activation in a manner to be discussed ingreater detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 7, one embodiment of the pivot rod 130, the firstlinkage 118, and the second linkage 119 are shown in detail. Severalgears are included in this embodiment in order to interlock the pivotrod 130, the first linkage 118, and the second linkage 119. This isbecause gears can interlock two separate members such that rotation ofone member causes rotation of the other member as is widely known in theart. In this embodiment, a first end 145 of the pivot rod 130 comprisesa first gear 112. The first linkage 118 comprises a second gear 113 atits first end, and as shown, the second gear 113 interlocks with thefirst gear 112. Also, the first linkage 118 comprises a third gear 115at its second end, and the second linkage 119 comprises fourth gear 170at its first end 123. As shown, the fourth gear 170 of the secondlinkage 119 interlocks with the third gear 115.

As such, when the user of the RV 110 a supplies an input signal throughthe central actuator 160, the second linkage 119 rotates about its axis,and the fourth gear 170 begins to rotate about the axis of the secondlinkage 119 as well. Rotation of the fourth gear 170 causes the thirdgear 115 and the second gear 113 of the first linkage 118 to rotateabout the axis of the first linkage 118. Rotation of the second gear 113causes the first gear 168 of the pivot rod 130 to rotate about the axisof the pivot rod 130, and this ultimately causes the rotation of thecams 132 about the axis of the pivot rod 130. As will be describedbelow, rotation of the cams 132 causes the plurality of bolts 134 onmultiple storage area doors 120 to move between their respective lockedand unlocked configurations.

Turning now to FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C, a cross section of thetypical securing member 169 of the locking mechanism 125 of FIG. 6 isshown. As shown, the securing members 169 of this embodiment reside inthe channel 146 of the wall 108 a and the strike 136 similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C.

As shown, the cam 132 is oblong so as to define a major axis 143 and aminor axis 144, and the pivot rod 130 is rigidly attached to the cam 132such that rotation of the pivot rod 130 will cause the cam 132 to rotatein tandem. As shown in FIG. 8A, one orientation of the pivot rod 130causes the major axis 143 of the cam 132 to point in the verticaldirection substantially. In such an orientation, the cam 132 pushesupward on the bolt 134 and moves the top end 155 of the bolt 134 intothe strike 136. As such, the storage area door 120 a is inhibited frommoving from its closed position to its open position because as itmoves, the top end 155 of the bolt 134 interferes with the flanges 152a, 152 b and the first edge 187 of the storage area door 120 a.

As shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C, another orientation of the pivot rod130 causes the minor axis 144 to point in the vertical directionsubstantially. In this orientation, the vertical profile of the cam 132is reduced, allowing the bolt 134 to drop into the channel 146, leavingthe storage area door 120 a free to move between its open and closedpositions.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 125 comprises a spring 150having a first end 178 and a second end 179. The spring 150 is widelyknown for exerting a reactive force when one of its ends is displacedwith respect to its other end. The first end 178 of the spring 150 iscoupled to the bolt 134 and the second end 179 of the spring 150 iscoupled to the wall 108 a. More specifically, the spring 150 is placedover the cylindrical bolt 134, and the first end 178 of the spring 150is retained by a first spring seat 126, a short cylinder attached to thebottom end 156 of the bolt 134 having a diameter larger than thediameter of the spring 150. The second end 179 of the spring 150 isretained by a second spring seat 127, a thin ridge of material attachedto the first and second flanges 142, 180 extending far enough into thechannel 146 to interfere with the second end 179 of the spring 150. Thespring 150 preferably biases the bolt 134 downward toward the cam 132.Preferably, the force of the spring 150 sufficiently inhibits the bolt134 from moving upward and entering the strike 136 when the cam 132 ispositioned such that its minor axis 144 is positioned vertically.Advantageously, the bolt 134 is unlikely to inadvertently interfere withthe storage area door 120 a when the bolt 134 is in the unlockedconfiguration.

It is understood that the cross sections of the securing members 169shown in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C are typical of all of thesecuring members 169 included in this embodiment of the lockingmechanism 125. Thus, it is understood that all of the securing members169 function in substantially the same manner. As stated, the pivot rod130 is coupled to the plurality of cams 132 included in this lockingmechanism 125, and the pivot rod 130 is also indirectly coupled to thecentral actuator 160. As such, shifting of the lever 161 causes thepivot rod 130 to rotate which causes the cams 132 to rotate since thepivot rod 130 is coupled to the plurality of cams 132. The rotation ofthe cams 132 causes all of the bolts 134 to shift, and thus, multiplestorage area doors 120 a can be locked or unlocked with a single shiftof the lever 161.

It is understood that the embodiment of the locking mechanism 125 shownin FIG. 6 through FIG. 8C possess essentially the same advantages as theembodiment of the locking mechanism 125 shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 5C.Namely, both embodiments of the locking mechanism 125 offer an addedconvenience to the user of the RV 100 a because the locking mechanism125 advantageously eliminates the inconvenience associated with havingto lock or unlock multiple storage area doors 125. Also, bothembodiments of the locking mechanism 125 can comprise a central actuator160 that is positioned within the internal living space 110 a of the RV100 a. Such placement advantageously limits the user's exposure toinclement weather and it also facilitates locking or unlocking of thestorage area doors 120 a when it is dark outside the RV 100 a.

Turning now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the locking mechanism 125is shown. This embodiment specifically illustrates an alternativecentral actuator 160. As shown, the central actuator 160 comprises atransmitter 163 and a receiver 164.

In one embodiment, the transmitter 163 is a small portable unitcomprising components, such as buttons or dials, which can be physicallymanipulated by a user (not shown). Once manipulated, the transmitter 163emits a signal into the air and that signal is communicated to thereceiver 164. In one embodiment, the transmitter 163 emits RF signals.

Once the receiver 164 receives the signal from the transmitter 163, thereceiver 164 translates that signal into an electrical, pneumatic,hydraulic, or mechanical signal, which is then sent through thetransmission member 185 to the securing members 169. That electrical,pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical signal ultimately shifts thesecuring members 169 between their respective locked and unlockedconfigurations as described above in relation to the embodiments shownin FIG. 4 through FIG. 8C.

In one embodiment, the transmitter 163 emits a signal at a firstfrequency, which ultimately causes the locking of the storage area doors120 a. Likewise, the transmitter 163 emits a signal at a secondfrequency, which ultimately causes the unlocking of the storage areadoors 120 a.

As stated, the transmitter 163 is a small, portable unit, and the usercan take the transmitter 163 outside the RV 100 a. As such, the user canlock or unlock the storage area doors 120 a from anywhere near the RV100 a depending only on the ability of the signals to be received by thereceiver 164. Advantageously, this embodiment of the locking mechanism125 allows the user to lock or unlock the storage area doors 120 a whilemoving about or around the RV 100 a For instance, the user may want tounlock or lock the storage area doors 120 a when the user is standingoutside the RV 100 a. Advantageously, this embodiment of the lockingmechanism 125 facilitates this desire.

Although embodiments of the locking mechanism 125 are shown above ascomprising mainly electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanicalcomponents, it should be noted that various other embodiments of thelocking mechanism 125 could comprise a combination of hydraulic,electrical, pneumatic, or mechanical elements without departing from thespirit of the invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments of thelocking mechanism described above are configured for baggage doors thatare hinged along the top edges such that the doors swing upward to open.The locks are positioned adjacent the bottom edges of the doors so as toprovide bottom sealing baggage doors. It will be appreciated that thelocking mechanisms disclosed herein may be adapted to other types ofdoors by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from thespirit of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a functional schematic diagram of one possiblealternate embodiment of the locking system described above. Inparticular, the central actuator 160 (FIGS. 4, 6, 9) is adapted so as topermit activation of selected group(s) of locks among the plurality oflocks that secure the plurality of doors on the RV. A user input 200 isreceived by the activation device 160, and based on the input 200, theactivation device 160 can activate a first group of locks 202, a secondgroup of locks 204, and so on, or combinations thereof. As an example,the first group may include the main door of the RV, the second groupmay include all the external baggage doors, and a third group mayinclude access doors that include by way of example, a generator hood,an engine compartment door, and a fuel filler cover. In another example,the first group may include doors with greater importance in securityand the second group may include doors with lesser importance insecurity. It will be appreciated that the activation device 160 may beconfigured in any number of ways to permit selective activations oflocks and doors grouped logically without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

For the various embodiments of the locking systems described above inreference to FIGS. 4, 6, 9, the user input 200 may comprise differentbuttons, switches, levers, signals or the like for activating differentgroups. In one embodiment, the user input 200 is achieved by a numerickeypad wherein the user inputs a code to activate one or more of thelocking/unlocking functions described above.

Alternatively, the keypad, buttons, switches, levers, signals or thelike may be configured to perform different functions when activated indifferent manners. For example, the remote transmitter 163 in FIG. 9 maybe configured in a similar manner as many transmitters used forpassenger automobiles, where a first press of an unlock button unlocksthe driver's door and a second press of the same button unlocks the restof the doors. Thus for example, the remote transmitter 163 and theactivation device 160 may be configured such that a first press of abutton unlocks the main door of the RV and a second press of the samebutton unlocks all the baggage doors.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate two possible configurations of the bolt andthe strike employed in the access door described above. In particular,the two configurations permit the door to be closed and locked relativeto the wall such that the door aligns with the wall in a desirablemanner.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the door and the wall whenfacing the door. The door 120 is in a closed orientation relative to thewall 103. In one embodiment, a locking member 230 comprises a strike 210that defines an opening 214 sized to receive a bolt 212 when in thelocked configuration. The bolt 212 is shown to be misaligned with thestrike 210, such that the bolt 212 would undesirably engage the strikeat location 216. Such misalignment situation may arise frommanufacturing errors or tolerances, and one of the negative consequencesis the difficulty insertion of the bolt 212 into the recess 214 definedby the strike 210. If the bolt is somehow forced into the strike, thedoor may be in a strained configuration relative to the wall.

To accommodate such misalignments, the locking member 230 is adapted soas to permit adjustment of the strike 210 as shown by arrow 220. Thebolt 212 may also be adapted to be adjusted as shown by arrow 222. Theadjustment of the strike 210 may be achieved, for example, by providinga margin at the securing points (e.g., slotted screw holes in thestrike) of the strike to the door (not shown). The bolt 212 may beadapted to be adjusted in a similar manner. Furthermore, the strikeand/or the bolt may be adapted to be adjustable along a directionperpendicular to the direction indicated by arrows 220 and 222.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a locking member 240comprising a strike 242 mounted on the door 120, and a bolt 244 mountedon the wall. The bolt 244 comprises a tapered side 246 dimensioned suchthat when the bolt 244 extends into the strike 242, a portion of thetapered side 246 engages a portion of the strike 242 at location 250. Inone embodiment, the tapered side 246 is formed on the interior side(left side in the Figure) such that when the bolt engages the strike (atlocation 250), the bolt 246 urges the strike 242 (and hence the door)inward for an improved sealing of the door 120. In the Figure, theimproved sealing of the door 102 is exemplified by a flush alignment ofthe exterior surfaces 252 and 254 of the door and wall. It will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that such a flush fit ofthe door is advantageous not only for sealing function, but also foraesthetics of the door.

Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention has shown, described and pointed out the fundamentalnovel features of the invention, it will be understood that variousomissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of theapparatus as illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made bythose skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not belimited to the foregoing discussions, but should be defined by theappended claims.

1. A recreational vehicle comprising: a housing having a plurality ofwalls, wherein the housing defines a plurality of storage spaces eachhaving an access opening adjacent one or more of the plurality of wallsof the housing; a plurality of access doors for the access openings,wherein each of the plurality of access doors can be moved between anopen position and a closed position; and a locking system having aplurality of locking members and a central actuator, wherein theplurality of locking members lock one or more access doors in the closedposition, and wherein the central actuator is mounted within the housingand is coupled to the plurality of locking members such that controllingof the central actuator results in the plurality of locking membersmoving between locked and unlocked configurations.
 2. The recreationalvehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the locking members comprises astrike defined by the access door and a movable bolt mounted to thehousing such that in the locked configuration a portion of the boltengages the strike so as to prevent opening of the door and wherein inthe unlocked configuration the bolt retracts from the strike so as topermit opening of the door.
 3. The recreational vehicle of claim 2,wherein the movement of the bolt in the locking member is pneumaticallyactuated.
 4. The recreational vehicle of claim 2, wherein the movementof the bolt in the locking member is hydraulically actuated.
 5. Therecreational vehicle of claim 2, wherein the movement of the bolt in thelocking member is electromagnetically actuated.
 6. The recreationalvehicle of claim 2, wherein the movement of the bolt in the lockingmember is mechanically actuated.
 7. The recreational vehicle of claim 1,wherein the recreational vehicle is a motorhome.
 8. The recreationalvehicle of claim 1, wherein the recreational vehicle is a trailer. 9.The recreational vehicle of claim 8, wherein the trailer is afifth-wheel trailer.
 10. A recreational vehicle comprising: a housinghaving a plurality of walls, wherein the housing defines a plurality ofstorage spaces each having an access opening adjacent one or more of theplurality of walls of the housing; a plurality of access doors for theaccess openings, wherein each of the plurality of access doors can bemoved between an open position and a closed position; and wherein theplurality of access doors for the logically grouped into one or moregroups; and a locking system having a plurality of locking memberscontrolled by a central actuator, wherein the plurality of lockingmembers are grouped according to the one or more logical groups of theaccess doors such that controlling of the central actuator results in aselected group of locking members associated with a selected group ofaccess doors moving between a locked and a unlocked configuration,wherein the selected group of locking members in the lockedconfiguration lock the selected group of access doors in the closedposition, and wherein the central actuator is mounted within the housingand is coupled to the one or more groups of locking members.
 11. Therecreational vehicle of claim 10, wherein the access doors include amain door, a plurality of baggage compartment doors, and one or moreutility access doors.
 12. The recreational vehicle of claim 10, whereineach of the locking members comprises a strike defined by the accessdoor and a movable bolt mounted to the housing such that in the lockedconfiguration a portion of the bolt engages the strike so as to preventopening of the door and wherein in the unlocked configuration the boltretracts from the strike so as to permit opening of the door.
 13. Therecreational vehicle of claim 12, wherein the movement of the bolt inthe locking member is pneumatically actuated.
 14. The recreationalvehicle of claim 12, wherein the movement of the bolt in the lockingmember is hydraulically actuated.
 15. The recreational vehicle of claim12, wherein the movement of the bolt in the locking member iselectromagnetically actuated.
 16. The recreational vehicle of claim 12,wherein the movement of the bolt in the locking member is mechanicallyactuated.
 17. The recreational vehicle of claim 10, wherein therecreational vehicle is a motorhome.
 18. The recreational vehicle ofclaim 10, wherein the recreational vehicle is a trailer.
 19. Therecreational vehicle of claim 18, wherein the trailer is a fifth wheeltrailer.